New York City Sets Out to Regulate Time Square's Costumed-Characters

Anyone who has ever walked the streets of Times Square has surely encountered the likes of Micky Mouse, Spider-Man or Papa Smurf. Following a spree of incidents involving these currently unlicensed costume characters over the summer, the City of New York may issue new regulations in order to make the theater district safer for tourists and local visitors.

According to Truthrevolt.org, Councilman Andy King said on Monday that he will introduce his bill Wednesday to require performers who "alter their appearance" with a full costume or face paint to get a background check, photo identification and a $175 two-year license.

His statement follows:

"You can come out here, we're just saying we want to know who you are," King said. "That's not an infringement on anyone's First Amendment rights."

Lucia Gomez, director of La Fuente, a group that organized more than 100 performers in response to the proposed regulations, said she wished that a dialogue with city officials was offered in order to keep the troublemakers out of Times Square before moving on a bill.

Do you think it's time that Mickey Mouse get a background check, or are these colorful, albeit grunchy characters part of the Times Square ambiance. Tell us what you think!

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